Italy Currency in 2025: Euro Exchange Rate, Payment Methods & Tips

Perhaps you have heard of the old Italian currency, the lira, the unique design of the Italian Euro coins featuring the Vitruvian Man drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, or are simply curious about money to prepare for your upcoming trip to Italy, this guide to Italian currency will give you all the basic information, from exchange rates to financial tips you need to deal with while exploring its lively markets and fruity winery.

What Is the Currency in Italy? Euro or Lira?

As one of the European Union Member States, the official money from Italy today is the Euro, though there was exactly a short period when you could use both the Euro and Lira.

Currency from Italy was previously known as the Italian Lira (₤, ITL), which was first used in 1861. In 1999, Italy switched its official currency from the lira to the euro (€, EUR, and €1 ＝100 cents), while the lira was used as a national subunit of the euro until it was replaced in 2002.

Italian euro denominations include:

• Coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents, 1 and 2 EUR.
• Banknotes: 5 EUR, 10 EUR, 20 EUR, 50 EUR, 100 EUR, 200 EUR, and 500 EUR.

Euro

The Exchange Rate From Italian Currency to USD & More

Check the table below for your reference. Updated in March 2025.

Paying in Italian Currency

Cash

Cash is still the most accepted in Italy, though most tourist places have finished their e-economies built around visitors. Especially small payments in village markets and local restaurants for ice-cream, coffee, or small snacks or items, most family-run trattorias still thrive on cash exchanges.

It is never a problem to carry some small bills and coins during your Italian journey; however, for expensive items or services, it is recommended to check if the merchant accepts cash payment.

Digital Wallet

Some large stores, restaurants, and hotels generally accept mainstream digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. They are often quick and easy to pay for things like coffee, snacks, or public transportation.

Credit & Debit Cards

The second most popular payment method in Italy, along with the most commonly used cards, is Visa and MasterCard (may with 1 to 3% transaction fees for each foreign purchases). Remember to tell the credit card company about your travel plans to prevent your card from being locked.

Credit Card

How to Exchange the Currency

There are several main methods of exchanging currency in Italy. Banks are one of the best choices for stable and secure exchange rates, for convenience, drop by the ATMs. The following will help you to better prepare and plan the currency exchange for your Italy tour.

Exchange Some Small Bills Before Your Trip

It's a wise preparation for some small bills in case of an emergency, and it's always a placebo since you don't have to deal with this kind of big problem in a completely unfamiliar environment, but in your hometown ATMs or the city banks you used to visit.

By the way, exchanging euros may result in an unfavorable exchange rate, so some small charge will suffice.

Dollar and Euro

Italian Main Banks & ATMs for Large Exchange

IFor your large exchange, consider those main banks and ATMs in Italy for better rates without excessive fees, while most popular tourist places are in contrast. Passing those ATMs around airports is a good idea to avoid the high fees and low rates, and so are the hotels. Also, for better rates, don't forget to change your money back before your departure home.

Main Banks

The main banks in Italy that can exchange euros are Banca Monte dei Paschi, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, Banco BPM, BPER Banca, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Crédit Agricole Italia, Intesa Sanpaolo, Mediobanca, UBI Banca, and Unicredit.

Different branches may have different service and fee policies. It's recommended to call in advance or check the official website to learn about the relevant fees and exchange rates.

ATMs

In some major cities and tourist areas in Italy, you can find some ATMs, called bancomats, that provide euro withdrawal services. These ATMs usually have signs indicating that you can use foreign cards to withdraw money. It should be noted that there may be additional fees (approx. $ 5) and exchange rate fees (approx. 3%).

Using an ATM to Withdraw Euros

Currency Exchange Providers

You can exchange money with some specialized Italy currency exchange providers, who may have counters at major airports, train stations, or popular tourist areas in Italy, and can usually provide instant exchange services, but may also charge a certain fee.

Hotels and Tourist Centers

Some hotels, large shopping malls, or tourist centers may also provide Italy currency exchange services, but the exchange rate may not be the most favorable.

Notes:

• Bank Opening hours are usually 9 am to 1 pm, 3 pm to 4 pm or 5 pm on weekdays.
• Have your passport or ID ready for in-person exchanges at banks.
• Plan your exchange amount to avoid carrying too much cash.

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How Much Does an Italy Tour Cost

For 3-star and 4-star standards, you may cost 550 to 600 USD on average per day. A 5-star Italy tour may cost 750 USD per day. For a luxury Italy tour, it may cost over 900 USD. However, these prices are just for your information. The cost may vary depending on your travel style and the cities you visit. The following content will give you a detailed introduction.

Hotels

Hotel prices vary by city and location. In major cities such as Rome, Florence or Venice, a mid-range hotel can cost around €100-200 per night. Budget hotels cost between €50 and €100, while luxury hotels can cost as much as €300.

Transportation

Italian cities have efficient public transport systems. A single bus or metro ticket costs about €1.50 to €2.00, while a one-day pass costs between €5 and €7.50. High-speed trains between big cities (such as Rome to Florence) usually cost 20-50 euros. Regional trains are cheap but slow. Taxis start at around 3-5 euros, plus 1-2 euros per kilometer.

Food and Wine

A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 15-30 euros per person, or you can enjoy pizza or pasta for €8-15. A cappuccino costs about 1.5-3.00 euros and a scoop of ice cream costs about 2-3 euros.

Italy is famous for its wines. In supermarkets, a bottle of wine can be bought for about 5-15 euros. In restaurants, it costs 15-30 euros.

Sightseeing

Tickets to popular attractions like the Colosseum or the Uffizi are around 15-20 euros. Many museums offer discounted admission to students and free admission on certain days.

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More Tips for the Italy Tour

Ask for Receipt or Bill

When shopping in Italy, it's crucial to ask for a receipt or bill for any goods or services you purchase. These documents serve as legal proof of ownership and can prevent fines during inspections. They are essential not only for warranty claims on high-value items but also for applying for tax refunds when departing Italy.

Bargaining in Italy

In Italy, bargaining is generally not the norm. Most shops, supermarkets, and regular retailers have fixed prices and do not bargain with customers. However, in certain markets or small shops, especially in tourist hotspots or when purchasing expensive items, bargaining might be acceptable.

Tipping in Italy

In Italy, tipping isn't obligatory. When dining out, a service charge (coperto) is often included in the bill. If the service charge isn't included, it's customary to leave a modest tip, typically around 5-10% of the total bill, to express satisfaction. In hotels, taxis, and similar services, tipping is appreciated if you feel the service is good.

Beware of Street Vendors

It's also important to pay attention to street vendors who may offer seemingly high-quality products at low prices. But buying from these unlicensed sellers is illegal under Italian law.

Plan Your Italy Tour With Odynovo

Exploring Italy, from romantic Venice to ancient Rome, every step is surrounded by culture. If you're still confused about exchanging currency in Italy, feel free to contact us or write to [email protected], we look forward to creating a perfect Italian dream for you.